Excuse me? What was that sentence?

Outrage at Portadown man's punishment....

‘Excuse me?’

It was a voice inside my head questioning whether I had really heard the details of this court case correctly. I knew I had. Fortunately, we are often protected from hearing the grizzlier details of heinous crimes.

But on Monday morning, we were not spared that luxury.

I felt myself exhale, almost incredulously, at what I was hearing. It felt like all objectivity was leaving my body.

The charge sheet outlined his crimes, but when Judge Donna McColgan, during her sentencing remarks, detailed the horrific contents contained within Gerald Malone’s phone in court, it felt like a case of how long?

In the end, possessing 77 videos and images of child sex abuse amounted to 80 hours of community service and a two-year probation order.

It prompted me to do a quick site search for "100 hours community service," and the first result returned highlighted this sentence for a teenager accused of disorderly behaviour. Objectivity to one side, we’re talking about a teenager being accused of disorderly behaviour…

One seasoned court reporter we spoke to plans to question the Public Prosecution Service on whether or not they will appeal the sentence for being unduly lenient. That’s a decision for them and, ultimately, for an appeal judge should they agree with the hundreds of our readers who were not shy in conveying their displeasure in the comments.

Is it time for a proper review of the sentencing guidelines? Perhaps another rhetorical question.

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‘Relax and Reconnect’ this Valentine’s weekend with The Hot Rocks steak and sauna special

Relax in the sauna and get cozy in the forest bathing area where you will find a roaring firepit and blankets before refuelling with a steak for two with all the trimmings and a bottle of house wine at The Gate Inn Bar and Restaurant – located less than 100 metres away!

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Noticeboard

Sunday February 23 | 7pm | 1st Portadown Boys' Brigade Old Boys' Association Annual Church Service | Thomas Street Methodist Church, Portadown.

Friday February 21 | 7.30pm | 4th Portadown Boys' Brigade 'Steak Night' | First Presbyterian Church (Edenderry) Hall | Tickets - £25 per person | Tickets and further information available from David Binks, telephone 07928 852787.

Thursday March 13 | 7.30pm | Portadown College Music Department Centenary Year Finale Celebration Concert | Craigavon Civic and Conference Centre | Tickets : £12 (adults), £8 (concession). Tickets available from Portadown College Music Department or via ticket source | Proceeds in aid of a new piano for the Music Department.

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